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S. (Salvatore) Frank Fiore, 96, of Altoona, died Tuesday at Conemaugh Nason Medical Center, Roaring Spring, after a brief illness. Frank was born in Altoona, son of Salvatore and Sarina (Tripician) Fiore.
He married Florine (Watters) on June 17, 1953, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. Both were members of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church since 1957.
Frank was preceded in death by Florine, his loving wife of 56 years. He was also preceded in death by his parents; five brothers: Joseph (Jeanne), Nicholas (Julia), Anthony (Helen), Leonard (Mary) and Victor (Evelyn); and two sisters, Frances (Julius Moses) and Eleanore (Phil Trimarco).
Surviving are a son, Steve (Anita) Fiore of State College; a daughter, Kathryn (Patrick) Kibler of Hollidaysburg; six grandchildren and their spouses: Jessica (Jamie) Connell, Randy Jr. (Lindzie) Miles and Patrick (Dena) Miles, all of Hollidaysburg; Matthew (Caitlin) Fiore and Justin (Jamie) Fiore, both of Cranberry Township; and Vincent (Elise) Fiore of Redding, Conn. Also surviving are 14 great-grandchildren: Maya, Jackson and Chase Connell; Avery, Adeline and Ridge Miles, all of Hollidaysburg; and Jack, Madeline, Evan, Emily, Caleb, Colin, Alexandra and Daniella Fiore, all of Cranberry Township. Frank's extended family in the local area and beyond includes over 40 nieces and nephews.
At age 12, Frank started working at Fiore Motors and Electric with his brothers. During WWII, several of his older brothers were called to duty, leaving Frank with some remaining help to keep their business open for a period during the war.
Frank continued to work in the family business, graduating from Altoona High School in 1947, and subsequently attended Penn State Altoona in engineering. He served during the Korean War in the U.S. Army 103rd Artillery Battalion, Headquarters Battery of the 43rd Infantry Division and with the Army Engineers 888th Aviation Field Company. He attended the Army's schools in engineering at Fort Belvoir, Va., and in chemical, biological and radiology at the Presidio in San Francisco, Calif.
After his military service, Frank was assistant manager, manager and then owner/partner of Fiore Furniture Appliances and Televisions at Beale Avenue and 24th Street in Altoona. In 1976, Fiore Furniture relocated to 209 W. Plank Road, where Frank was its president until retirement in 2006. Fiore Furniture survives and is owned by his former partner and nephew, Robert Fiore, at its latest location on 201 Cayuga Ave. Frank greatly appreciated the loyalty of the many customers of the greater Altoona area. In 2002, Fiore Furniture Co. was the recipient of The Business Hall of Fame award in Excellence in Small Business from the Blair County Chamber Commerce. Frank was a member of the Pennsylvania Furniture Association and served as treasurer.
Frank supported and was a member of many local organizations, including being a 50-year member and past president of the Rotary Club of Altoona, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also an active member in the Blair County Chamber of Commerce, Altoona Jaycees, Navy League, Travelers Protective Association (TPA) club, A&J IAIA American Legion Post, Altoona Tip Club and SCORE.
Frank enjoyed attending events of each grandchild, whether playing sports, acting, singing or playing a musical instrument. His hobby was recording videos and taking photos of the many performances of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed creating personalized greeting cards for both family and friends. He never missed celebrating the birthday of a child, grandchild and even a great-grandchild.
Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 30, 2025, at The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona, where a vigil for the deceased will be held.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 5519 Sixth Ave., Altoona, with Father John Lynam, celebrant. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church; Bishop Guilfoyle Academy (bishopguilfoyle.org/); Selfless Solutions (selflesssolutions.org/get-involved/donate/); or the American Heart Association (heart.org/).
Online condolences may be shared at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook page.